Life history and host specificity ofAltica cyanea [Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae], a potential biological control agent for water primrose,Ludwigia adscendens

AbstractLarvae of the southern African geometrid moth Comostolopsis germana Prout feed on the shoot apices and axillary buds of Chrysanthemoides monilifera, a serious alien weed of native vegetation in Australia. The insect was found in low abundance throughout the distribution of its hosts, C. incana and C. monilifera, in southern Africa. Larvae were present throughout the year in subtropical Natal, but were absent in winter in the cooler, Mediterranean type climate of Cape Province. In host-specificity tests using 65 plant species from 26 families, Comostolopsis germana completed development only on Chrysanthemoides monilifera monilifera and C. monilifera rotundata. Insignificant, exploratory feeding occurred on Olearia axillaris (Compositae) and pea, Pisum sativum (Leguminosae). In multiple-choice oviposition tests eggs were laid on 41 species, but a strong preference was shown for the foliage and stems of C. monilifera. Larvae grazing the flower buds, pedicels and peduncles of C. monilifera may reduce the reproductive capacity of their host and contribute to its control. Comostolopsis germana has been approved for release as a biological control agent of Chrysanthemoides monilifera in Australia.

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Life History and Host Specificity of Rhopalomyia n. sp. (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), a Potential Biological Control Agent of Scentless Chamomile

Environmental Entomology ◽

10.1093/ee/27.6.1537 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 27 (6) ◽

pp. 1537-1547 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Hariet L. Hinz

Keyword(s):

Biological Control ◽

Life History ◽

Host Specificity ◽

Biological Control Agent ◽

Control Agent

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The life history, host specificity and potential of alagoasa parana Samuelson (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) for biological control of Lantana camara in Australia

Bulletin of Entomological Research ◽

10.1017/s0007485300013250 ◽

1988 ◽

Vol 78 (3) ◽

pp. 511-518 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

J. A. Winder ◽

D. P. A. Sands ◽

R. C. Kassulke

Keyword(s):

Biological Control ◽

Life History ◽

Host Plant ◽

Host Specificity ◽

Biological Control Agent ◽

Adult Emergence ◽

Control Agent ◽

Southern Brazil ◽

Passiflora Edulis ◽

Immature Development

AbstractIn southern Brazil, adults and larvae of the halticine beetle Alagoasa parana Samuelson fed on the foliage and flowers of Lantana tiliaefolia and L. glutinosa (Verbenaceae). The life-cycle of this univoltine species from egg to adult emergence took 80-90 days between October and April. The abundance varied seasonally from four to eight adults per 100 branches. Larvae remained on the foliage during development and pupated in moist, loose, friable soil within a cocoon at the base of the host-plant. Adults overwintered and oviposited in litter at the base of the host-plant. In multiple-choice host- specificity studies in Australia, adults fed lightly on Verbena bonariensis and Clerodendrum speciosissimum (Verbenaceae) and produced minute scars on leaves on unrelated passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus). However, A. parana completed immature development only on L. camara among the 55 plants tested. The potential of A. parana as a biological control agent for L. camara in Australia is discussed.

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